Friday, November 1, 2013

Fishing for Holes in the Roster

When a team has lost 90 games in three consecutive seasons, there can be plenty of finger pointing. For the Twins, there are questions to ask about how this current roster was created and what the team can do as they try and move forward.

Where are the holes in this roster? What needs to be done this offseason? Are there internal options to help remedy the situation? All of these questions and more need to be answered before the team heads to Florida for spring training.

Let's take a look at each position and try to figure out how the Twins can get out of this mess. A fishing bobber ranking each position will be accompanied. One bobber means the position needs to be addressed, two bobbers means the position is steady, and three bobbers means the position is looking good going forward.

Catcher2013 Starter: Joe MauerOther Options: Ryan Doumit, Josmil Pinto, Chris Herrmann
There are questions about Mauer moving forward from his concussion related issues. Doumit suffered from some concussion issues of his own. At the end of the season, Pinto looked great but can he sustain this kind of production at the big league level. This should be a position for the Twins not to worry about but Mauer's concussion issues bring down this ranking. Ranking: One Bobber

First Base2013 Starter: Justin Morneau (Out of the Organization)Other Options: Joe Mauer, Chris Colabello, Chris Parmelee
Mauer's head troubles could mean a change of position and first base might be his new home by the beginning of next season. Colabello and Parmelee have shown success at Triple-A but it hasn't translated to the big leagues. This could be a spot where the team looks out of the organization for help since there are three left-handed bats and plenty of question marks. Ranking: One Bobber

Second Base2013 Starter: Brian DozierOther Options: Eduardo Escobar, Eddie Rosario
In a breakout season, Dozier made Twins fans forget his disastrous rookie campaign. He seems to have locked up second base going into next season but Rosario is close to knocking on the door. Rochester will be Rosario's home to start 2014 but a falter from Dozier could mean Rosario's rise to the big leagues. This position battle will be one to watch moving forward. Ranking: Three Bobbers

Third Base2013 Starter: Trevor PlouffeOther Options: Miguel Sano, Deibinson Romero
Plouffe struggled for most of 2013 but ended the year with a strong month of September. The Twins are going to want to see Sano at the big league level sometime in 2014. After Hicks' terrible 2013 season, the club will probably take it slow with Sano. A hot start in Triple-A from Sano could mean the end of Plouffe's tenure at third base. Ranking: Three Bobbers

Shortstop2013 Starter: Pedro FlorimonOther Options: Danny Santana, Eduardo Escobar
Last season, Florimon showed his defensive prowess but his offense continues to be offensive. In the minor leagues, Santana continues to hit but there are giant question marks about his defense. Florimon is the likely starter but Santana's offensive ability is something to watch. Overall, shortstop is a tough spot in the higher levels of the organization. Ranking: One Bobber

Left Field2013 Starter: Josh WillinghamOther Options: Oswaldo Arcia, Trevor Plouffe
Willingham followed his tremendous 2012 season with an injury filled 2013. Arcia had some up and down moments in his rookie year but he still showed the power stroke he had been known for in the minors. As the team looks to the future, it might make sense for Willingham spend more time at DH. Plouffe could see more time in the outfield when Sano arrives. Ranking: Two Bobbers

Center Field2013 Starter: Aaron HicksOther Options: Byron Buxton, Alex Presley
When the Twins handed the starting center field job to Hicks last year, they hoped the young man would take the position and run. Lucky for Twins fans, Buxton burst onto the scene in 2013. It could still be a couple years before Buxton makes it to the big leagues and this leaves a hole in center field. The future looks bright with Buxton but there are still questions about what Hicks will be able to do in 2014. Ranking: Two Bobbers

Right Field2013 Starter: Chris ParmeleeOther Options: Aaron Hicks, Darin Mastroianni
The Twins could be searching for options at this position moving forward. Parmelee and Hicks had disappointing seasons and Mastroianni was hurt for most of the year. Arcia could see some time at this spot if the Twins continue to use Willingham defensively. If Hicks can fix his offensive woes, this could be his spot when Buxton arrives on the scene. Ranking: One Bobber
What kind of bobber rankings would you give the Twins position players? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.